An integrated braking system is a variant of a linked braking system. Partial front braking is applied whenever the rear brake is activated. Check your owner's manual for a detailed explanation of the braking system on your motorcycle.

You should wear reflective materials when riding at night to make yourself more visible to other road users.

Open up your following distance if your motorcycle will require a longer distance than normal to stop. Additionally, if you are riding in heavy traffic or if you cannot see through the vehicle in front of you, you should also increase your following distance.

Maintaining a cushion of space between your motorcycle and other vehicles on the road will give you a clearer view of any emerging hazards, more time to react to hazards, and more space to maneuver around them.

A plastic, impact-resistant face shield provides the greatest degree of protection for a wearer's eyes and face. Eyeglasses or sunglasses are not an adequate substitute. In Vermont, you are not legally required to wear eye or face protection if your motorcycle has a windshield, though it is recommended.

When riding in a group, the length of a route and the lengths of segments of travel should be based on the skill level of the least experienced rider. Groups of riders should take regular breaks to reduce fatigue. Inexperienced riders should be placed behind the leader so more experienced riders can keep an eye on them from behind. It is generally best to ride in a staggered formation.

You should not rely on eye contact to guarantee that a driver will yield to you. It is not uncommon for a driver to look directly at a motorcyclist and still fail to actually notice them.

You should use a tire gauge to check the tire pressure before every ride. An under-inflated tire may still look okay, so a visual check is not enough.

When riding in a group, inexperienced riders should ride just behind the leader near the front of the group. This allows more experienced riders to keep an eye on them from the back of the group.

A passenger puts extra weight on a motorcycle, which causes the motorcycle to handle differently. Only experienced riders should carry passengers.

When hazards exist to your left, it is often best to ride in the right portion of the lane. Be prepared to adjust your lane position as road and traffic conditions change.

To maximize your ability to be seen at an intersection, ride with your headlight on and select a lane position that provides oncoming traffic with the best view of your motorcycle. Maintain a space cushion that allows you enough space to take evasive action if a hazard arises. You should never assume that making eye contact with a driver will be enough to make them consciously register your presence.

Because motorcyclists are more vulnerable than the drivers of cars and trucks, appropriate use of signals by motorcyclists is even more important than it is for other drivers.

To prevent any dangerous situations caused by technical issues, you should perform a thorough inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. Compared to a car, small technical problems can have more serious consequences on a motorcycle.

Your following distance should be larger than usual when you are traveling under imperfect conditions. Increase your following distance if pavement is slippery, you can't see through the vehicle in front of you, or traffic is heavy.

When riding, wear boots or shoes that are high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Heels should be short so they don't catch on rough surfaces. Laces should be tucked in so they can't catch onto the moving parts of the motorcycle.

The added weight of a passenger will affect the handling of your motorcycle. Expect your motorcycle to accelerate more slowly than usual, turn more slowly than usual, and require extra space to come to a complete stop. Ride more slowly, start slowing sooner when approaching a stop, open up a larger space cushion, and wait for larger gaps when crossing, entering, or merging into traffic.

Oily drippings from cars collect in a strip in the center of a traffic lane. Unless the road is wet, this area will generally still provide enough traction for motorcyclists to ride safely. Because the strip is usually no more than two feet wide, it is often possible to ride to one side of the strip and still be in the center portion of the lane.

To reduce the risk of a crash, you should always ensure that you are visible to others. Communicate your intentions through proper use of your signals, brake light, and lane position. Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle and consistently scan the road ahead of, behind, and next to your vehicle. Always be ready to avoid an unexpected hazard.

To brake, squeeze the front brake lever and press down on the rear brake pedal. Always use both brakes when slowing or stopping.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise. Choose a lane position that maximizes your space cushion.

A motorcycle will continue to ride like new if it is properly maintained and routine inspections become a part of its regular maintenance cycle.

When taking normal turns, lean at the same angle as your motorcycle. However, in slow, tight turns, you should counterbalance the leaning motorcycle by keeping your body upright.

Many drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can impair your ability to ride safely. Some medications become even more dangerous when combined with alcohol.

Passing is prohibited in no passing zones. It is also prohibited to pass by riding off of the main-traveled portion of a roadway.